1974 World Cup Second Round – Netherlands 2–0 Brazil (Frankfurt)
Oranje's Total Football triumphs over Brazil in a World Cup classic.
The Netherlands men's national football team delivered a masterclass in Total Football to defeat Brazil 2–0 in the 1974 World Cup second round, a match widely regarded as one of the greatest in World Cup history.
Quick Facts
- Brazilian manager
- Mário Zagallo
Lore & Background
This match, played on 19 June 1974 at Frankfurt's Waldstadion, saw Johan Cruyff's Netherlands dismantle the reigning champions Brazil with goals from Johan Neeskens and a stunning strike by Cruyff himself. The victory marked the first time the Netherlands had beaten Brazil in a World Cup, and it cemented the Dutch team's reputation as the tournament's most exciting side. The 'Oranje' went on to reach the final, where they lost to West Germany.
Reader's Guide
The team plays in bright orange. Their logo features a lioness, unlike the men's team's male lion. Arjan Veurink became head coach after the conclusion of UEFA Women's Euro 2025.
Did You Know?
- The Netherlands went on to reach the 1974 World Cup final, losing 2–1 to West Germany.
- Brazil's manager Mário Zagallo had previously won the World Cup as a player in 1958, 1962, and as a manager in 1970.
More in Iconic Matches & Classics
Elsewhere in Netherlands National Team
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